President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus received UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo and vocal group “Ladysmith Black Mambazo”.

The Head of State congratulated the Ambassador on her first visit to Lithuania and noted that it gave a perfect opportunity for admirers of A. Kidjo's talent to hear and see the singer from Benin live.

President Adamkus told the Ambassador about Lithuania's efforts to reconstruct life in Afghanistan devastated by war.  Much attention in the meeting was on the moral importance of assistance.

“When we provide support, we have not to think about the size of donation as even the smallest donation can radically change the life of a child.  The most important thing is that the required assistance provided in a timely manner sparks hope and brings back confidence in a human being and the world,” Lithuania's Head of State pointed out.

According to President Adamkus, it is particularly important to help children at the earliest age possible so that they do not lose hope and belief in humanistic values. 

“Children are the cornerstone and the future of our life,” the President underlined.

The UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador shared her impressions of her meeting with Lithuanian children. 

“They are wonderful, a real treasure. I try to hear what children want most of all and what is most important for them and to pass their hopes to heads of states who can make their dreams true,” Ms A. Kidjo said.

The Ambassador noted that UNICEF could also help Lithuanian children by bridging different continents and traditions through children cooperation. 

“Let us show them that by helping other people you gain much more because the restored hope makes you stronger,” said the singer A. Kidjo.